I have written and spoken often of the gremlins that inhabited the evaps (distilling plants) when i was the CHENG (Chief Engineer) of the USS Hollister (DD 788). i fervently believe they leapt onto my shoulders when i was relieved and been with me ever since 1975.

These past few days, they were in the mood for financial pranks. Several weeks ago, my debit card for our primary financial instrument, a credit union, mysteriously turned up missing. i have no idea of how it got out of my wallet. i think the gremlins might have had something to do with it.

So i ordered a new debit card. It came about a week ago. i used it at the ATM when i chose to withdraw some cash, choosing one of two of our checking accounts. Then, i went through the same drill this weekend, only to have no option on which checking account to effect the transaction. Puzzled, i went to the institution’s office today to inquire.

Two of the four stations were manned by very pretty young women dressed to the nines. The one who invited me to her station, smiled and was very efficient. i explained the option of choosing the check account for the withdrawal had not been available. She smiled and explained that was not an option, that each card was for one checking and one savings account. When i pointed out i had been given the option to choose between accounts for, oh since i got a debit account over 15 years ago, she politely insisted that wasn’t possible, she consulted the other teller who agreed with her: one checking account, one savings account for each card.

i then wondered how i had that option since forever and said it must be because i’m old (i’ve been a member since 1968). She laughingly agreed that might be the reason. I told her she didn’t have to agree. She said, “The customer is always right.” We laughed.

Then she told me she could give me a debit card for the account i normally use for withdrawals. i agreed. She created the card, effected it, and instructed me to go outside and withdraw some money from the ATM, adding to come back and let her know if it didn’t work.

i went outside, started the process. The ATM asked me which account i wanted to use. i laughed, withdrew the money. i went back inside around the waiting lines and motioned to the young woman. When she acknowledged, i told her i just wanted her to know the ATM gave me both accounts for options. We both laughed. As i left, i told her that i think it’s because i’m old.

Those damn gremlins are laughing.